What type of government did Venice originally have during the renaissance?

During the Renaissance, Venice operated as a republic, specifically a merchant republic known as the Venetian Republic. Its government was characterized by a system of elected officials, with the Doge serving as the ceremonial leader, while real power rested with the Great Council and the Senate, composed of the city's nobility. This oligarchic structure allowed for a unique blend of aristocratic and democratic elements, enabling Venice to thrive as a powerful trade and cultural center in the Mediterranean.